Search engine optimization (SEO) involves a mix of strategies, and one key element that plays a crucial role in rankings is external links. But what is external link in SEO? Simply put, these are links from other websites that point to yours—or vice versa. They help search engines assess your site’s credibility, authority, and relevance.
GetFound is here to walk you through everything you need to know about external links, from their impact on SEO to best practices for using them effectively.
Want to strengthen your website’s authority and boost rankings? Let’s get started!
Definition of External Links in SEO
An external link, also known as an outbound link, is a hyperlink that points from one domain to another. Unlike internal links, which connect pages within the same website, external links direct users to different websites.
These links help search engines like Google determine content relevance, authority, and trustworthiness, playing a significant role in ranking algorithms.
Types of External Links
Understanding what is external link in SEO requires differentiating between two main types:
1. Dofollow External Links
These links allow search engines to pass link equity (or link juice) from one website to another. When a reputable website links to another site using a dofollow link, it signals trust and credibility.
2. Nofollow External Links
These links include a rel=“nofollow” tag in their HTML code, instructing search engines not to pass link equity. While they do not contribute to ranking directly, nofollow links still drive traffic and enhance brand visibility.
External Links vs. Internal Links
To fully grasp what is external link in SEO, it is important to distinguish it from internal links. Internal links connect different pages within the same website, helping with site navigation and content structure.
External links, on the other hand, provide references to other authoritative sources, improving content credibility and user experience.
How Search Engines Interpret External Links
Search engines analyze external links as signals of trust, relevance, and authority. When a high-authority website links to another site, it acts as a vote of confidence, indicating that the linked content is valuable and reliable.
These links help search engines determine a page’s credibility and influence how it ranks in search results.
However, not all external links carry the same weight—factors such as the linking site’s authority, relevance to the topic, and natural placement of the link all play a role in its impact on SEO.
Quality over quantity is key, as excessive low-quality or spammy external links can have little to no benefit and may even lead to penalties.
The Relationship Between External Links and Domain Authority
One of the key aspects of what is external link in SEO is its impact on domain authority. Websites with high-quality external links tend to have stronger domain authority, which improves their chances of ranking higher in search results.
However, spammy or low-quality external links can have the opposite effect, potentially leading to penalties.
External Links in Content Strategy
Incorporating external links into content helps provide additional context, cite credible sources, and reference authoritative studies. By directing users to reputable websites, these links enhance credibility and demonstrate a commitment to accuracy.
Well-placed external links not only add value for readers but also contribute to a site’s trustworthiness, signaling to search engines that the content is well-researched and reliable.
The Role of Anchor Text in External Links
Anchor text is the clickable text within a hyperlink. Search engines analyze anchor text to understand the context of the linked page. When using external links, relevant and descriptive anchor text can enhance content clarity and provide better user experience.
Also Read: Boost Your SEO: Learn How to Build Natural Links Today!
The Connection Between External Links and User Engagement
External links play a key role in enhancing user engagement by offering additional resources and references that add value to the content.
Then, what is external link in SEO and its connection to engagement? When users find useful and relevant information through external links, they are more likely to stay engaged, explore related topics, and trust the source.
Well-placed external links can also improve the user experience by directing readers to authoritative sources, reinforcing credibility, and encouraging deeper interaction with the content.
As a result, websites that use external links strategically can build stronger relationships with their audience while also signaling trustworthiness to search engines.
External Links and Algorithm Updates
Search engines continuously refine their algorithms to assess the quality of external links. Google’s updates, such as Penguin, focus on penalizing spammy link-building practices while rewarding websites with high-quality external links. Staying informed about these updates is crucial for maintaining a healthy link profile.
Want to Elevate Your SEO? Let GetFound Show You How!
Figuring out what is external link in SEO is key to strengthening your website’s credibility and boosting search rankings.
External links—links from one website to another—help search engines determine a site’s authority and relevance, making them a valuable part of any SEO strategy.
By using external links wisely, businesses can improve online visibility, attract more traffic, and build a stronger digital presence. Need expert insights on external linking and SEO? GetFound is here to help you maximize your website’s potential!
